The work of socially-oriented non-profit organizations in preventing social orphanhood: a case study of the Karelia Regional Public Organization "Harmony" (Karelia Republic)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18413/2949-267X-2026-5-1-0-4Keywords:
social orphanage, prevention of social orphanage, socially-oriented NGOs, social support, at-risk familiesAbstract
The article discusses the work of the Karelian Regional Public Organization Harmony, which focuses on preventing social orphanhood. This organization's work is significant because there are still a large number of orphans and children without parental care in our country. The issue of social orphanage is especially acute in areas with low quality of life, such as the Republic of Karelia, which ranks 74th in the RIA Rating Center's annual ranking.
Harmony's approach to preventing social orphanage stands out for its integrated approach and long-term support for families at risk, particularly those with parents who struggle with addiction to alcohol. In recent years, other organizations working on the issue of social orphanhood have begun to adopt this approach, both in Karelia and across Russia. The study of the support model for families at risk used by Harmony CRO and the assessment of the effectiveness of this non-profit organization were conducted using a variety of methods. These methods included an analysis of theoretical sources, official statistical data, and documents from the organization, such as its charter and annual reports. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among representatives of families supported by Harmony CRO, with a total of 61 participants. This survey was administered by the authors in June of 2024 and formed the basis for the data presented in this article.
The findings presented in this paper are the result of the first phase of a comprehensive research project that is currently ongoing. Through this research, theoretical approaches and practices were identified that form the basis of Harmony CRO's model of support for families at risk and prevention of social orphanhood. The main areas of activity of this organization are highlighted, and the activities that are most sought after by supported families are identified. The analysis of the opinions of recipients of Harmony CRO's services on the impact of its support program on their lives has been conducted. The study also analyzes the impact of the organization's programs and projects on addressing the issue of social orphanage in the region.
The results of the research show that the approach taken by Harmony CRO, within the framework of an integrated family support model, is effective and leads to sustainable, long-term outcomes both for individual blood and foster families, as well as for influencing regional statistics on social orphanage.
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